Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
ZANU PF President and First Secretary, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa says young people are the primary beneficiaries of the fourth Chimurenga, hence the need for their active participation in economic development initiatives.
He made the remarks while addressing the ZANU PF Youth League National Assembly at the party’s headquarters in Harare this Wednesday.
President Mnangagwa said youths have a critical role to play in the modernisation and industrialisation of the country’s economy.
“As ZANU PF Youth League at all levels, you are the inheritors of the fourth Chimurenga. Events such as the Youth Business Forum held on the sidelines of this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair are encouraging towards ensuring that young entrepreneurs are integrated and aligned to productive and priority areas of our economy.
“More partnerships should be pursued with organisations such as ZIMTRADE to help youth enter export markets. Similarly, various bilateral and multilateral MOUs signed by my administration should be leveraged for the entry of youth-owned businesses into regional and global value chains. The centrality of the economy anchored on innovation, local value addition and beneficiation, along with increased production and productivity, demands a fundamental mind-shift.”
He said the country is fast achieving aspirations projected under Vision 2030, emphasising the need for foresighted thinkers, planners and focused implementers.
“Our country is fast achieving aspirations projected under Vision 2030. The future we are building under the Second Republic requires foresighted thinkers, meticulous planners and focused implementers. Fortunately, this has always been part of the DNA of our revolutionary mass party, since its formation. During the National Youth Day, I emphasised the need to create platforms that nurture the culture of dialogue and constructive engagement. I once again challenge young people to deliberately acquire the necessary knowledge to enable them to participate in social and economic spheres.”
President Mnangagwa said the ZANU PF-led government is unrelenting in its quest to invest in the capabilities and future of young Zimbabweans.
“Today, our numerous policies, programmes and interventions are laying a firm foundation for a generation that is productive, disciplined and fully aware of its responsibilities. The evident culture of service, patriotism and innovation among the young people across the country is pleasing. I urge you all, no matter the sector or field of your endeavours, to keep marching forward. As we advance our national development agenda, we are aware of the ever-evolving global environment and associated shocks. These have the threat of destabilising economies worldwide.”
The President urged young people to keep marching forward as the party advances the national development agenda, while upholding principles of discipline and patriotism.
“The success of our party and national development efforts rests on the values we continue to uphold. Discipline, integrity and hard, honest work must not simply be spoken of; they must be lived without compromise. We can never sustain a strong, modern, adaptive, resilient revolutionary mass party and country based on weak principles. Revolutionary unity, patriotism, loyalty, discipline, integrity and productivity are irreplaceable values. These are the pillars that guarantee the perpetuity of a people and a Party, as opposed to those who fall on the way-side.”
The National Youth Assembly was attended by ZANU PF Politburo members and youths among other delegates.
